UFC Prospect Charles Oliveira Drops To Featherweight Division

Count Charles Oliveira as the next man to drop to the UFC's 145-pound division.

According to reports from MMA Junkie, the former welterweight and lightweight has informed promotion officials of a desire to drop down in weight, despite reportedly sprouting from 5'10" to a height of 6'2". No official word has come from the UFC brass, though Oliveira's trainer Wade Hampel confirmed the announcement. 

"Charles hopes to return to action before the end of the year, if possible," Hampel said. "We're extremely excited to see what he can achieve at 145 pounds."

According to the report, the 22-year-old recently endured a test cut to feel any effects from the lighter weight and was pleased with the results. 

At such a young age Oliveira is still one of the most viable prospects in the UFC despite a recent slump. Since pushing his unbeaten record to 14-0 with consecutive "Submission of the Night" wins over Darren Elkins and Efrain Escudero in mid-2010, the Brazilian is winless in his last three contests, including a first-round knockout loss to Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5.